Mossley made hard work of beating bottom markers Skelmersdale United at Seel Park on Saturday by the only goal of the game.

The line up saw Gary Gee and Raul Correia make their first starts since signing while youngsters Abdul Kadiri Asamoah and Jes Uchegbulam were named on the bench.

It was to be a largely uninspiring game in front of an impressive crowd of 490 but the Lilywhites did just enough to take maximum points against a side who belied the form guide and were perhaps unfortunate not to take something from the game.

Mossley opened on the front foot and were able to keep the visitors penned in their own half with home debutant Correia’s attempt denied by Skem keeper Liam Boden while Max Leonard had a goal-bound shot blocked.

The Lilywhites finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Mossley won a free kick on the left wing. Ben Richardson fired the ball into the box and Raul Correia flicked the ball off his head and beyond Boden’s reach.

Max Leonard then tried a speculative 30 yarder but Boden gathered well. Mossley fans were by then no doubt hoping the floodgates would open but the reverse is what actually happened as the Lilywhites struggled to break down a well organised back five.

Skem were unfortunate to have a headed goal ruled out for a foul as the Lilywhites rode their luck at the back more than once as the visitors worked incredibly hard to find a way back into the game.

Leonard and Correia both had efforts on goal for Mossley before the break but it was Josh Ollerenshaw who came to the rescue on the stroke of half time to deny the busy Sean Yeldrem.

As expected Mossley dominated second half possession but found it increasingly difficult to break the visitors down and Skem remained a threat on the break as Mossley’s attacks floundered.

Leonard, Halfacre and Fish all came close but the second goal wouldn’t come making for an almost nervous end to the game as one mistake could have proved costly for play off chasing Mossley.

Downey replaced Halfacre for the last half hour as Mossley changed their shape to attempt to put the game to bed but chances were limited and fortunately, the Lilywhites avoided an late disasters to take the points and move level on points with third placed Radcliffe as the race for promotion heats up.

Wiz

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